Can you have faith... (part last - I think)

...and still doubt?

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)

This just happened to be the reading from the epistles Saturday at Mass. It was about the best part of the service, but the quality of the service notwithstanding... I still heard something I needed to hear. :)

Being sure? Being certain? Sounds like... having firm conviction, complete confidence, without any doubt. But - being sure of what is only in the *hope* category at this stage? Being certain... of what I can't see in front of me?

Man, this is not easy.

Didn't sincere men of God doubt at times? Job doubted the goodness of God's intentions toward him, David doubted God's desire to rescue him from his enemies. Neither doubted His ability... they doubted his motives! Their doubt was an assault on His character!

Peter, the man Jesus used to anchor the building of His church, doubted a lot. He was mostly fearful of circumstances around him (wind, waves, poverty, perception, persecution, ridicule), but what he really doubted was God's ability to transcend those circumstances on his behalf.

Yet they were all known as men of faith and devotion to God, men who had God's favor and blessing.

When did they doubt? Not when things were going well. They doubted when under duress, when in crisis, when in deprivation, when in fear of the future.

So there you go. Me, too.

Suffering, problems, trials... even "faith heroes" doubt God under those circumstances. But as we get through those times of doubt and trouble, our character develops, our hope in God is strengthened, our faith in His love toward us is made sure.

Romans 5:3-5 says:

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

So, I guess I won't feel bad about my doubts - nor about expressing them, here or anywhere else. After all... I'm in good company. :)

And, under good care. Even while doubting the One who cares for me.